Growing Bolder Community

Decorated combat pilot Joe Kittinger has been pushing the envelope since he jumped out of a high-altitude balloon just past the edge of space. At age 80, he's still flying high and telling remarkable stories about his legendary life.

In 1984, Joseph P. Kittinger Jr. made aviation history when he became the first person to cross the Atlantic solo in a balloon. We visit with him to commemorate the event and reminisce with a true American pioneer.

An aviation pioneer, hot air balloon adventurist, war hero and space legend -- Col. Joe Kittinger is also one of the kindest people you'll ever meet. Hear what he says about living legacies and giving back.

Col. Joe Kittinger is well-known for his legendary leaps forward in aviation. But there was a chapter left out of his amazing ballooning career. For several years, Kittinger was Michael Jackson's private pilot.